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At the Nationals State Conference, we announced up to $220 million to build the Mildura to Geelong Murray Basin Rail Project which will revolutionise the movement of freight across the State and unlock the economic potential of regional and rural Victoria.

Press Releases

$4 million to support innovative transport solutions

Friday, June 06, 2014

Four million dollars over the next three years will be allocated to help improve access to transport networks and services for people living in regional and rural areas Acting Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan announced today.

Speaking in Mildura, Mr Ryan said the $4 million Transport Connections Program Innovation Fund would be available for initiatives that improved access to services, employment, education and community activities.

“The new Innovation Fund will build on the success of the Victorian Government’s $22 million Transport Connections Program that is supporting 34 transport-related projects across Victoria,” Mr Ryan said.

“Under the Innovation Fund the existing 34 Transport Connections projects will be eligible to receive up to $75,000 in additional funding for a two-year local initiative.

“Up to 20 regional initiatives will also be eligible to receive up to $85,000 under the program.”

Mr Ryan said the Innovation Fund would promote greater collaboration between regions to help people in the community who have limited access to transport.

“This new fund is all about linking local projects to address greater regional needs,” Mr Ryan said.

“Communities, businesses and government will be able to continue to work together through Transport Connections, making more effective use of existing transport options.”

While visiting Mildura, Mr Ryan and Member for Mildura Peter Crisp met with representatives of the local Northern Mallee Transport Connections project - the Sunraysia Car Pool.

Mr Crisp said the project was an outstanding example of a simple and innovative idea that provided clear benefits to members of the community.

“This project helps local women coordinate shared travel to and from long-distance breast screening appointments through the social networking site Facebook,” Mr Crisp said.

Mr Ryan said the Transport Connections Program Innovation Fund was part of the Coalition Government’s commitment to supporting sustainable growth and development across the state.